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Discover Siem Reap's Wonders

Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is renowned for being the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex. Steeped in ancient history and architectural marvels, Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm are just a few of the awe-inspiring temples that transport visitors back in time. Siem Reap itself is a charming town with a lively atmosphere, featuring vibrant markets, diverse culinary offerings, and a mix of traditional and modern Cambodian life. The Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, is a short drive away and offers a glimpse into rural Cambodian life with its floating villages. Siem Reap's unique blend of rich cultural heritage, archaeological wonders, and the warmth of its people makes it an enchanting destination for travelers seeking a profound historical and cultural experience in Southeast Asia.

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Description

Siem Reap is small, quaint, and centred around the small river that runs through it. Right next to the river is the Old Town, known as the French Quarter, which is nestled around the Old Market. Though Cambodia went through its own self-destructive turmoil under the rule of the Khmer Rouge (1975-1979), today, the country is developing: roads are being built, electricity runs continuously, and streets are not flooded any longer. Yet, this new modernisation has not spoilt the natural beauty of the Cambodian scenery, as farmers work in the rice fields, children skip to school, and palm trees dot the landscape.

Useful information

Population:

Around 140,000 (2023)

Currency:

Cambodian riel (KHR). The US dollar is also widely used.

Emergency Info:

Ambulance: 119
Police: +855 12 402 424
Fire: +855 12 784 464

Opening Hours:

Most shops are open daily from 8am–7pm and markets are open from 6am–5pm.

Do & See

Angkor Archaeological Park

This is the former capital of the Khmer Empire, which ruled this region between the 9th and 12th centuries. Angkor Archaeological Park evokes the rich historical, architectural and cultural past of the Khmers. The majestic Angkor complex offers temples galore, which is a marvel to explore. Each temple is unique, from the grandeur of Angkor Wat to the beauty of Banteay Srei, this dynastic ’village’ is spellbinding. You need a minimum of two days to explore. As the temples are spread out, transportation is required. Bicycles, motorbikes, tuk-tuks and air-conditioned cars are at your disposal. Guides can be sought through most hotels and guesthouses.

Angkor National Museum

If you are planning to visit the temple ruins of Angkor Wat, this museum is a perfect start. It will equip you with a lot of valuable information shown in galleries and artefacts so you can easily understand the history and beliefs behind the temples.

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. It is a compound containing many temples created by and for King Jayavarman VII. At the city's centre is Jayavarman's state temple, the Bayon, one of the most impressive temples. The tour is like walking in the past offering you a glimpse of the earlier civilisation.

Angkor Wat Putt

Set in a well-maintained garden, this mini golf course with 14 holes is fun for the whole family. Miniature temples work as hurdles and make the golf round exciting and unpredictable and the view of open greenery rice fields surrounded by friendly local villagers is also wonderful.

Artisans Angkor

Browse around this workshop as craftsmen work and then cross the garden to the shop, which offers the finest silk designs and famous carvings. The Silk Centre will also give you an interesting insight into the steps needed in the production of scarves and fashion fabrics.

Balloon Ride

Revel in 360-degree views of temples, hovering high and low on a thrilling hot-air balloon ride. From 200 metres height, you can see the Angkorian ruins and the neighbouring countryside in all its splendour.

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

This park is a welcoming break from temple-watching and is filled with beautiful butterflies and tropical flowers. Thousands of native species fly around the park and the professional guides will introduce you to the project and the park.

Bantey Samre

The architecture, the grand entrance and the beautiful reliefs give this place a real sense of peace and tranquillity. It is a wonderful temple with plenty of corridors, rooms and walkways. Take your time to enjoy the beautiful carvings and the skills of the craftsmen who built the complex.

Dining

Abacus

Abacus Garden Restaurant and Bar is a small eatery in a traditional Khmer house, serving excellent European and Asian food. The design has been made by two award-winning French-Khmer architects and features a luminous dining room as well as an alfresco terrace.

Crocodile River Bistro

This restaurant serves schnitzel together with other Austrian and German dishes. For reasonable prices you can enjoy large portions of dishes with non-Asian flavours.

Cuisine Wat Damnak

Wat Damnak uses only local fresh seasonal products and creates excellent traditional Cambodian food. The restaurant has been designed to offer three contrasting seating areas providing a tranquil ambience.

Haven Restaurant

This restaurant is located in the heart of Siem Reap, away from the hustle and bustle of Pub street. The premise is beautiful with a wide variety of flavorful Asian and Western food like Khmer Curry and fish amok.

Heritage Suites Restaurant

For a breath of luxury you should make a visit at Heritage Suites Restaurant and enjoy a meal there. With a Khmer chef, educated in western kitchen, the menu offers different options of both international and Cambodian dishes, all cooked to perfection.

Kanell

This is a place where you can hang out all day. At Kanell you can enjoy more than just tasty French and Asian food, they also offer a cooling swimming pool with sunbeds in a lush garden to relax on. When it's time for dinner you can choose to sit on the terrace, inside their lounge or in a private lounge just for you and your company.

Khmer Kitchen

This small, family-run side-street restaurant offers what some people would say is the best food in town. Delicious food such as coconut fish soup and baked pumpkin are served with quality service.

Le Jardin des Délices

This restaurant in a beautiful garden is part of the École d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul Dubrule, a unique training school for underprivileged children. They offer a weekly set menu and high-quality French cuisine with attentive service.

Cafés

Footprint Cafes

You can find everything your heart desires at Footprint Cafes. With a simple and beautiful interior design, a cosy atmosphere, books to read and buy, as well as a wide selection of food and drinks like smoothies, pancakes, French toast, and Khmer food.

Red Piano

Popular with the expat community, this establishment offers good fruit smoothies and a relaxing ambience. Angelina Jolie frequented here when she was filming Tomb Raider. Breakfast is served from 7am and the restaurant/café stays open until midnight.

Bars & Nightlife

Asana

A traditional Khmer wood house with a nice relaxed atmosphere. They offer fresh and tasty cocktails with a variety of local ingredients. Next to beer, wine and cocktails you can enjoy excellent food. Here you can relax on comfortable seating or in swinging hammocks which give it a real lounge feel

Barcode

Relax in the laid back lounge setting of this chic bar in the heart of Siem Reap. The low light setting and glamorous décor make this gay-friendly bar a must visit for nightlife enthusiasts. If you step in between 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM you can enjoy the happy hour together with a great selection of cocktails, beer and wine.

Elephant Bar

Set in the most luxurious hotel in town, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the Elephant Bar serves some of the best cocktails in town. Live piano and comfortable seating makes you relax and enjoy life.

Martini Bar

The Martini Bar is located at the luxurious hotel La Residence d'Angkor. An extensive martini menu and carefully selected international wines are served in a stylish but relaxed setting with beautiful views over a tropical garden and the river.

Miss Wong

This hidden gem in Siem Reap nightlife boasts with an outstanding interior of leather furniture and a wide selection of mixed drinks. Try the variations of tea or delicious cocktails, it’s always a good idea to stop by at Miss Wong.

Picasso Bar & Tapas

In downtown Siem Reap you should go for a drink or two in this bar with an artistic touch. Here you can meet an international crowd of twenty somethings enjoying a fun night out. Don’t miss out on the happy hours and check for ongoing events within.

Temple Sky Lounge

Temple Sky Lounge turns into a pub and club after dinnertime. They have a high-quality dance show upstairs, providing a great insight into Cambodian culture. The drinks are cheap, and the dance floor is where it's all happening.

The Angkor What? Bar

The Angkor What? Bar is probably the most popular drinking spot in town. This institution rocks until the early hours of the morning and here you will get great drinks and loud music to dance to.

Shopping

Angkor Handicraft Association

Want to buy authentic Cambodian souvenirs from fair trade? Then visit this handcraft association in the Trang Village. The non-profit organisation supports craftspeople in the region who create traditional products such as silk, woodcarvings or pottery.

Angkor Night Market

The Angkor Night Market offers an interesting experience for travellers seeking a taste of local culture and craftsmanship. As dusk descends, the market comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colours, fragrances, and sounds, enticing visitors with its array of stalls offering handmade crafts, traditional Cambodian souvenirs, and street food.

Khmer Ceramics & Fine Arts Centre

Traditional Khmer pottery can be found everywhere in the area and make an ideal souvenir. Stop by this shop and get glazed pieces of art, plates, pots and much more. The friendly staff will even pack your purchase for a safe journey home.

Local Arts

For local artists, browse into the Asasax Art Gallery (Pub Street). Paintings of all kinds are also available, mainly around the Old Market, depicting the temples or the former grandeur of the Angkorian Empire.

Silk Shopping

Silk is very popular in this provincial town - for high-end silk products head to Artisans d’Angkor, Couleurs D’Asie (Sofitel Royal Angkor) and Carnets D’Asie (Sivatha Street.), which all offer designs made from Cambodian silk.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Cambodia has rainy weather for half of the year and dry weather for the other half. The seasons can be subdivided into dry-cool (November-January), dry-hot (February-May), rainy-hot (May-September) and rainy-cool (October-November). You will find the best weather in the dry-cool season, with an overall average temperature of 26°C—this is the most popular time to go. The rainy-cool season can be an alternative if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists—the green landscapes boast beautiful colours during this time. However, so much rain might be uncomfortable for some, and if you are planning day trips, be aware that water may flood the streets and make it impossible to reach smaller, remote places. The rainiest months are August and September.

Passport / Visa

Visas to Cambodia are available at airports and land borders, as well as online for citizens of most countries. In order to obtain one, make sure you can provide a passport valid for at least six months and a passport-sized photo for your visa. Visitors from an ASEAN member country do not need a visa to enter Cambodia, as long as they have a valid passport. It's essential for travellers to check the latest visa requirements and entry regulations from the nearest Cambodian embassy or consulate or through official government channels before planning their trip to Cambodia.

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI)

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is situated approximately 45 kilometres away from the city centre. For seamless transfers, the airport provides shuttle bus services, with stops at the CDF Angkor Duty-Free Store and Siem Reap Post Office, both centrally located. In addition, travellers can opt for private taxi services or utilise taxi-booking platforms like Grab for added flexibility and convenience. The journey by car takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Public Transport

Siem Reap’s transportation consists mainly of motor-taxi drivers or tuk-tuks. The latter are convenient because they are covered and can seat at least two passengers. Bicycles are also available for rent and are a pleasant way to explore the temples and town.

Taxi

Travellers can easily find taxis throughout the city, especially around popular tourist areas such as the Angkor Wat temples and the city centre. In Siem Reap, it is common to book a taxi for a whole day—this is one of the best ways to travel to different sights. Be sure to agree on a price beforehand, if they are not metered. In addition, ride-hailing apps such as Grab are also available in Siem Reap, providing an alternative option for transportation.

Electricity

In Cambodia, the electrical supply operates at a voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz. The country employs three types of electrical plugs: type A (two flat vertical pins), type C (two round pins) and type G (two round pins with two earth clips on the side). If you are traveling to Cambodia, it is a good idea to bring a universal adapter to ensure compatibility with various types of outlets you may encounter.

Pharmacy

UCare Pharmacy is a well-known pharmacy chain boasting three outlets in Siem Reap, including the airport. They offer a variety of medications, health and beauty products, as well as pharmaceutical services.

Post

The postal system in Cambodia claims patience from its users. It can take up to several months for a postcard to reach the receiver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Siem Reap?

The best time to visit Siem Reap is from November to March when the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for exploring the temples and other outdoor activities.

What are the must-see attractions in Siem Reap?

The must-see attractions in Siem Reap include the Angkor Wat temple complex, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and the Angkor National Museum. These sites offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Khmer Empire.

How many days should I spend in Siem Reap?

A stay of three to four days is recommended to explore Siem Reap thoroughly. This allows time to visit the main temples, enjoy the local cuisine, and experience the vibrant night markets.

What local dishes should I try in Siem Reap?

In Siem Reap, try local dishes such as Amok, a traditional Cambodian curry made with fish or chicken, and Lok Lak, a stir-fried beef dish. Don't miss the chance to taste Khmer noodles and fresh spring rolls.

How can I get around Siem Reap?

Getting around Siem Reap is easy with tuk-tuks, which are affordable and convenient for short distances. For exploring the Angkor temples, consider hiring a bicycle or a guided tour for a more comprehensive experience.

Where should I stay in Siem Reap?

Stay in the Old French Quarter or near Pub Street for easy access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife. These areas offer a range of accommodations from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Are there any worthwhile day trips from Siem Reap?

Worthwhile day trips from Siem Reap include visiting the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake and exploring the Kulen Mountain National Park, known for its waterfalls and ancient ruins.

Trips

Angkor Escapade

Siem Reap Escapade

Angkor Escapade

Siem Reap Escapade

Angkor Escapade

Siem Reap Escapade

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